Achieving Higher Read Rates With Image-based ID Readers
The most important way to rank barcode reader performance is by its read rate. Read rate is the number of barcodes read divided by the number attempted. It’s usually expressed as a percentage and the closer to 100%, the better. For example, if only 9,000 barcodes are successfully read in 10,000 attempts, the read rate is 9,000 / 10,000 = 0.9 or 90%. Read rate is the best measure of how reliable and robust the barcode reader is to the barcodes seen in your facility.
Image-based barcode readers view the entire barcode, not just a single line, so they can use advanced algorithms to overcome quiet zone violations and other code damage issues that cause laser barcode scanners the most trouble. Image-based ID readers are also able to read barcodes in any orientation within a single view. In contrast, it often requires multiple laser scanners configured together to read barcodes in applications where orientation is not repeatable.
And unlike traditional laser barcode scanners, image-based ID readers can decode 2-D (two-dimensional) symbologies like Data Matrix and QR, even when marked directly on the part (DPM), no matter the surface material.
With these additional advantages, it’s no wonder that image-based barcode readers are able to achieve higher read rates than those of laser barcode scanners. Don’t you agree?